Triphala is an Ayurvedic medicine that can be used for treating indigestion, constipation and gastrointestinal tract diseases, and also be used for eye care.

Triphala consists of three herbs in powder form:

1. Bhibhitaki (Belleric Myrobalan, Terminalia bellerica)
2. Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry, Emblica officinalis)
3. Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan, Terminalia chebula)

Bhibhitaki is useful in indigestion and diarrhea treatment. It is used primarily to support a broad array of digestive functions and cleanse the digestive tract. It also has effects for respiratory ailments, especially due to kapha, like cough, cold, sore throat, hoarseness of voice, asthma, and it can be used for eye care, hair care, wound care, and swollen and pain relief as well.

Amalaki is traditionally used as a cooling and cleansing herb to treat many ailments, including digestive tract inflammation, excess heat, constipation, ulcers, and skin disorders. But scientists say that emblica officinalis has more health benefits, including effects for high lipid and high cholesterol levels, atherogenesis, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes and anti-aging.

Haritaki in Ayurvedic Medicine is used to treat indigestion, flatulence, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, and rectal prolapse, chronic cough, asthma, coryza, dyspnea and sore throat, oral ulcers, gum disease, skin disorders, eye disorders, wounds and hemorrhoids.

From the above, we can see that Triphala is primarily effective on gastrointestinal tract disorders. Triphala has cooling, cleansing, downwarding and astringent properties. It clears the blockage of channels in the digestive system, moves stuff downward through digestive system, and reducing “fire” (inflammation, ulcers). Ayurvedic practitioners often use triphala to cleanse gastrointestinal tract, improve digestion, relieve constipation and gas, and remove the accumulated toxins within the body.

Triphala is available at health food stores. You can choose Triphala capsules instead of the powdered form.

For more information about natural remedies and alternative cures for constipation, go to Natural Remedies Center: http://www.naturalremediescenter.com/treat/constipation/

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